Sir Alex Ferguson has suggested Jose Mourinho could take over as Manchester United boss in the future, backing the Real Madrid manager to succeed in any managerial role.

It has been widely acknowledged that Ferguson's tenure at Old Trafford is nearing an end, with Mourinho amongst the highly-rated candidates to replace the Scot.

He has also been linked with a move to United's cross-city rivals as successor to Roberto Mancini and Ferguson believes the rumours are a testament to a manager he once doubted.

"He can manage anywhere, absolutely," Ferguson told ITV4. "I'm not going to put any forecasts on what is going to happen at this club. I won't last forever, but Jose can manage anywhere, there is no question about that.

"I would never think a guy who hasn't played a game could be a top coach, but then you've got to look at his personality, I think his personality does it.

"He's got a marvellous, strong personality and I think that bridges that gap. That's incredible [his trophy haul]. How old is he now? Fiftieth year. So he is 20 years behind me. At the same rate he is going to add another 42 trophies. At the current rate, [that is] amazing isn't it?"

Mourinho's Porto bundled United out of the Champions League on their way to the title in 2003 and gave Ferguson an insight into the Portuguese man's confidence.